Compound mixing system



May 5, 1964 A. LUDWIG ETAL COMPOUND MIXING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 9, 1962 INVEINTUR'E' Fl. LJUHIUIE' ENITIDNE'LJL.

jTTE/RNE United States Patent 3,131,710 CGMPOUND MIXENG SYSTEM AlfonsLudwig, Fort Lee, and Bradner N. Monell, Colonial, N..l., assignors toWestern Electric Company, incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation ofNew York 7 Filed Feb. 9, 1962, Ser. No. 172,185 Claims. (Cl. 137255)This invention relates to fluid mixing systems and particularly tosystems supplying a plurality of tanks with different solutions.Heretofore, considerable effort was expended in premixing and dilutingwire drawing compound before add ing the solution to the lubricatingsystems of wire drawing machines. This manual system was inherentlyunsatisfactory for control purposes, particularly where the lubricatingsystems required diiferent compound solutions. This invention providesan automatic compound system whereby it is possible toachieve a muchgreater degree of control over the compound solution and it is possibleto more efiiciently and effectively supply such solution to a pluralityof wire drawing lubricating systems.

Accordingly an object of this invention is a fluid mixing system forautomatically mixing and selectively supplying a predetermined solutionto any one of a plurality of tanks.

Another object of this invention is a means for preventing all but oneof a plurality of receiving tanks in a mixing system from demandingcompound from a supply source at a particular time.

Another object of this invention is a means for metering a specificmount of concentrate and water to a dilution tank when the liquid levelin a particular receiving tank falls below a set limit, mixing thesolution and then supplying it to the tank.

A more specific object of this invention is a system for automaticallymixing and selectively supplying a predetermined dilution of wiredrawing compound to a plurality of lubricating systems requiringdifferent solutions.

In accordance with the general features of this invention, a compoundmixing system is prepared for operation by loading a drum of compoundinto a concentrate tank, diluting the compound to a specific solutionand then mixing the solution for a predetermined time interval. Thesystem is actuated when the compound level in a tank or reservoir forthe lubricating system of a wire drawing machine drops below anelectrode. Then concentrate is metered to a dilution tank, a specificproportion of water added, the solution recirculated and pumpedcontinuously until the level in the tank reaches an upper electrodeshutting down the system. An electrical interlock prevents other tanksfrom calling for dilute compound at the same time. Provisions may beincluded for auto matically shutting down the system and sounding analarm when the concentrate level drops or when the dilution tank levelrises above set limits due to dficulties in the system.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent when considered inconjunction with the accompanying draw ing, which is a schematic plan ofthe compound mixing system, the subject of this application.

With reference to the drawing, a system for automatically supplying apredetermined dilution of lubricating compound to a plurality of wiredrawing lubricating systems is readied for operation by loading a drumof compound 11 into a concentrate tank 12. As illustrated in phantom onthe drawing, the drum 11 is upturned on a tilting fixture 13 and astream of hot water directed through a nozzle 14 into the open drum 11forcing the compound into the concentrate tank 12. Steam from a source54 and water from a source 56 are metered through valves 15 and 16 witha manually operated timer 17 to prepare a concentrated solution. Thesolu tion is then agitated with a mixer 18 for a predetermined intervalset by a second timer 19 which operates a relay 52 closing contacts 58.If a tank requires lubricating solution during the filling of thedilution tank 12, normally closed contact 57 operated by timer 19 willlock out any tanks from calling for compound until the mixing cycle iscomplete. When contact 57 opens, the power supply to water valves 3% and39 is cut off until the dilution operation has been completed.

When the compound level in a tank 21, for example tank 1, drops below alower electrode 22 a level control relay LC-1 is de-energized closingcontact 23 while the normally closed contacts 24 of control relays CR-2,3, 4 and 5 in the line remain closed. The level control relay LC-l isenergized from a voltage source 46 when the tank level is at the higherelectrode 42. Closing contact 23 completes a path from the voltagesupply 47 to operate control relay CR-l which closes normally opencontacts 25. This operates a solenoid valve 27 in a line 28 running fromthe compound header 29 to tank 1 and permits access to the tank.Solenoid valves 27 are of a conventional type and include the usualplunger 68 and valve control member 61' which opens or closes a valveindicated at 62 to regulate the fiow of fluid in line 2.8. Othersolenoid valves 15, 1o, 38 and 39 operate in the same manner.

Control relays CR-l to CR-S when operated close their correspondingcontact 31 energizing control relay CR-6 to close contacts 32 in thevoltage supply circuit and start the concentrate pump 33, output pump 34and mixer pump 36 by a conventional control arrangement 48 whichsupplies power from a source 49. The control arrangement 48 includesrelays 63, 64 and 65 which close their respective contacts 66, er and 68completing a circuit path to the various pump motors. Control relay CR-7is also activated closing contact 53 and starting the mixer 18. Controlrelays CR-l and CR4: when operated in the illustrated embodiment opennormally closed contacts 37 shutting water valve 38. Control relays CR-lto 5 energize control relay CR-6 to close contacts 32 opening watervalve 39.

In the system shown, tanks l and 3 require a 7% solution whereas theremaining tanks 2, 4 and 5 require a 5% solution of lubricating compoundwhich includes a mixture of fat and soap in water. Control relay (IR-6operates for each tank needing solution and by closure of contacts 32operates valve 39 to assure at least a 7% mixture. Since tanks 1 and 3require 7% solution, operation of control relays CR-l and CR-3, contacts37, opens valve 38 while valve 39 remains closed. Operation of valves 33and 39 in the case of tanks 2, 4 and 5 supplies additional waterresulting in a 5% solution. While the invention is illustrated with asystem having only two strengths of dilution, obviously a moresophisticated system could be readily devised embracing many differentstrengths of solution. For example, a binary system could be used toobtain numerous variations in the strength of solution utilizing theprinciples disclosed herein. Furthermore, although the mixture in thepresent instance is commonly referred to as a solution, it is perhapsmore accurately described as a complex mixture of a suspension and acolloidal dispersion. In any event, the mixing system functions equallyWell with solutions or other types of fluid mixtures.

Concentrated solution is pumped by pump 33 from the concentrate tank 12to the dilution tank 41 while a certain amount of dilute solution isdrawn from the tank and recirculated by pump 36 for mixing purposes. The

dilution tank is relatively small in size and an internal designincluding baffles (not shown) can be selected to achieve a high degreeof turbulence and insure good mixing. The output pump 34 continuouslypumps the dilute solution to the tank requiring compound, in the presentexample tank 1, until the level reaches an upper electrode 42. Thisenergizes the particular level control relay LC-l and breaks contacts 23to de-energize control relay CR-l. Contacts 26 open, shutting thesolenoid vmve 27. Operation of any control relay CR l to opens contacts24 to preclude the other control relays from operating. Therefore, theremaining valves 27 in the line 28 running off the header 29 stay closedand only one tank 21 can call for dilute solution at any one time.

When the upper level in a tank 21 is reached, the upper electrode 42energizes the particular level control 43 to de-energize the controlrelay 44 returning the relay contacts to their normal position awaitingthe next system requiring dilute compound. The level control 43 locksitself in when energized at high level and drops out when the leverfalls below the lower electrode 22. The upper electrode 42 energizes thelevel control 43 at high liquid level closing contacts 51 to form aparallel path through the tank 21. The circuit is broken only when thelevel falls below lower electrode 22. Contacts 51 remain open untiloperated by the level control 43 at high liquid level.

A conventional power supply 49'is provided for the motors and aconventional low voltage supply 47 is pro vided for the control circuit.Alarm features (not shown) can be incorporated in the circuit so that anindicating light goes on when the concentrate level falls below anelectrode. When it falls below a second electrode, the system can beshut down and an alarm sounded. Similarly, an upper electrode can bemade to sound an alarm and shut down the system when a malfunctioncauses the level in the dilution tank to rise abnormally. Standardmanually operated timers (not shown) are employed to operate controlrelay CR-6 and meter a predetermined solution to initially fill thetanks 21. Similar timers (not shown) are used to meter additionalconcentrate or water Where the dilution strength must be corrected.

It is to be understood that the above described arrangements are simplyillustrative of the principles of the invention. Numerous otherarrangements may be readily devised by those skilled in the art whichwill'embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spiritand scope thereof.

' What is claimed is: V

1. A fluid mixing system including:

at least two supply tanks, each requiring a different concentration offluid,

a concentrate tank containing a concentrated fluid,

a dilution tank,

means for supplying concentrated fluid from the concentrate tank to thedilution tank,

one or more fluid supply means for supplying a diluting medium to thedilution tank,

level control means individual to each supply tank,

first means responsive to the level control means in each supply tankfor initiating a flow of fluid from the concentrate tank to the dilutiontank when the fluid in a supply tank drops to a predetermined level,

second means responsive to each level control means for selectivelyoperating one or more of the fluid supply means in accordance with theparticular supply tank demanding fluid to mix a predetermined amount ofa diluting medium with the concentrate fluid,

third means responsive to each level control means for delivering thefluid from the dilution tank to the supply tank demanding fluid, andfourth means responsive to each level control means for discontinuingthe flow of fluid to a supply tank when the fluid in a supply tank risesto a predetermined level.

2. In a fluid mixing system:

at least two supply tanks, each requiring a different concentration offluid,

a first tank containing a concentrated fluid,

a second tank,

means for supplying concentrated fluid from the first to the secondtank,

a plurality of fluid supply means for supplying a diluting medium to thesecond tank, the concentration of the solution in the second tank beingdetermined by the number of fluid supply means in operation,

a control circuit for the fluid supply means,

recirculating mixing means in the second tank,

level control means individual to each supply tank, means for deliveringfluid to a supply tank from the dilution tank as required,

a relay individual to each tank responsive to the level control meanswhen the fluid falls below a predetermined level, each of said relayshaving serially arranged contacts in the relay circuit of each othertank for blocking the operation of said other relays when a first relayis operated and contacts connected to the control circuit for activatingthe required number of fluid supply means to obtain a desiredconcentration of fluid, and

means responsive to the operation of any of the level controlled meansfor simultaneously initiating the flow of concentrated fluid from theconcentrate tank to the dilution tank, the operation or" the fluidsupply means for suppling a diluting medium to said tank, the mixing ofsaid diluting medium and concentrated fluid and the delivery of theresultant fluid of predetermined concentration to the particular tankneeding fluid.

3. A fluid mixing system comprising:

a first tank for receiving a concentrated solution,

means for mixing the concentrated solution in the first tank,

' a second tank for dilution purposes,

means for transferring concentrated solution from the first tank to thesecond tank,

means for adding fluid to dilute the concentrated solution in the secondtank,

a plurality of tanks for receiving different dilute solutions from thesecond tank,

means for selectively feeding a particular dilute solu-tion to one ofthe plurality of tanks when the fluid in the tank falls below apredetermined level including means for simultaneously activating themeans for tnansferring concentrated solution to the dilution tank, themeans for adding dilution fluid, and said selective feeding means tocontinuously feed dilute solution to the tank until the fluid levelreaches a predetermined height, 7

means for preventing other tanks among the plurality of receiving tanksfrom obtaining dilute solution while one of said tanks is beingsupplied, and

7 means for preventing the first tank from receiving a concentratedsolution when one of the plurality of tanks requires dilute solution.

4. A fluid mixing system comprising:

a con-centrate tank,

means for making a concentrated solution in said tank including meansfor forcing a concentrated substance into the tank and means formetering a predetermined amount of fluid into the tank,

a dilution tank of relatively small size,

a plurality of tanks requiring different solutions,

means responsive to the fluid level in any one of the plurality of tanksfor automatically supplying concentrated solution to the dilution tank,diluting the concentrated solution to the proper solution, recirculatingsaid solution for mixing purposes and supplying it to the particulartank requiring solution,

means for preventing all but meet the plurality of =3 tanks from callingfor solution at the same time, and means for shutting off the meansresponsive to the fiuid level in any one of the tanks when the levei inthe tank being supplied with dilute solution reaches 5 References Citedin the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Patterson Nov. 16, 1909Kingsbury July 20, 1920 Durdin Nov. 4, 1930 Walter Oct. 18, 1932 OfeldtAug. 30, 1938 Quesada Mar. 23, 1943 Porteous et al Mar. 27, 1945 Levin mMar. 5, 1946 Whitcomb et a1. Nov. 19, 1946 Gabrielsen Aug. 19, 1958Claudy Sept. 20, 1960

1. A FLUID MIXING SYSTEM INCLUDING: AT LEAST TWO SUPPLY TANKS, EACHREQUIRING A DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF FLUID, A CONCENTRATE TANKCONTAINING A CONCENTRATED FLUID, A DILUTION TANK, MEANS FOR SUPPLYINGCONCENTRATED FLUID FROM THE CONCENTRATE TANK TO THE DILUTION TANK, ONEOR MORE FLUID SUPPLY MEANS FOR SUPPLYING A DILUTING MEDIUM TO THEDILUTION TANK, LEVEL CONTROL MEANS INDIVIDUAL TO EACH SUPPLY TANK, FIRSTMEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE LEVEL CONTROL MEANS IN EACH SUPPLY TANK FORINITIATING A FLOW OF FLUID FROM THE CONCENTRATE TANK TO THE DILUTIONTANK WHEN THE FLUID IN A SUPPLY TANK DROPS TO A PREDETERMINED LEVEL,